Celebrating the great news for PNGSI to have a First Saint: “Pope Clears Path for Canonization of PNG Blessed Peter ToRot”

Mendi: On Thursday 3rd of April 2025, the student Catechists who are in formation and the staff of the Blessed Peter ToRot Catechist Training Centre in Mendi Diocese had a joyous celebration after hearing this great news: 'His Holy Father, Pope Francis Clears Path for Canonization of PNG Blessed Peter ToRot'

Group picture after the celebration...Picture supplied

The celebration started with Holy Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr Adam MSF, the Spiritual Director of Blessed Peter ToRot Catechist Training Centre. In his homily, he challenged the student Catechists who are undergoing catechist formation program and everyone that we should not be quiet or silent in professing the Catholic faith and Blessed Peter ToRot teaches us by giving up his own life for faith.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, all marched down to Cathedral with the picture of Blessed Peter ToRot.  Fr Adam MSF led the simple procession which signifies jubilant moment for the catechists.  This can motivate them to follow the example of Blessed Peter ToRot.

At the St Mary Mother of Divine Shepherd, Cathedral Parish, His Lordship Bishop Donald Lippert, OFM Cap. Bishop of Mendi Diocese, encouraged the student Catechists to strive for holy life and become saint.  He said, “Peter ToRot is like many of you catechists, a married, and lay person, you can be a saint too.”   The challenge is to commitment and dedication of our life in what we believe.  He also emphasized that we should not excuse ourselves to become saints because we received this call/vocation during our baptism.  He further challenged that we should not venerate only, but we must follow and imitate his life, face the challenges, trials/difficulties and defend the Catholic faith as Blessed Peter ToRot has shown us. It was the word of awakening and message of hope for everyone.

Francis, one of the students undergoing Catechist formation also expressed his excitement and inspiration while celebrating this significant news for the country and for the Universal Church as a whole.  He said, “Peter ToRot did not fear death during the persecution.  He defended the Catholic faith and died, so I as a Catechist, I promise to shed my blood, in spite of how tough it could be, I will follow him.” He was also excited for this great news because it has been long waited for sainthood.

After the veneration, His Lordship Bishop Donald Lippert OFM Cap Blessed his faithful Christians to end the program. 

(Procession...Picture supplied)